Mary Harshfield grew up in Findlay and graduated from Findlay High School. She attended the University of Findlay before transferring to Bowling Green State University where she earned her bachelor's degree. She then embarked on a teaching career during which she completed a Master's degree in American Culture, concentrating on political science and the media.

Her teaching experience included schools in Ohio and Michigan teaching English and French at the high school and junior high level, plus enrichment classes for elementary students. She spent several years as the Foreign Language Department Head. She participated in Ohio State and Temple University programs in France and led student groups to French Canada.

At the same time Mary was active in her local Education Association and served as a representative in the group for many years and as an officer. Concerned about the problems in her community, she volunteered in numerous Democratic campaigns and elections. At one point she organized and worked in a citizens' exit poll out of a desire to help ensure honest elections.

Upon retiring from teaching and returning to her Findlay roots, Mary was able to reconnect with family and help care for her mother in her last years. Once back, she also became active within the community and took an interest in the problems that our area faces in relation to the economy, local environmental issues and the desire that all citizens of our area have representation in their government. She previously ran for the Findlay Council in 2015 and 2017, and for the House District 83 in 2016.

Mary was married for 27 years and has two daughters and one granddaughter.